Low Wooden Decks: Yea or Nay?

I really want to like all of these low-to-the-ground decks. There's something so modern and casual and carefree about them. But then the architect in me gets all uptight, takes one look at them, and winces at the close contact between the wood and the ground. All I can think of is rot in the very near future.

Then that wild, crazy, less-than-practical little devil on my shoulder says, "These look great!," and "Don't worry so much!," and "Other people are doing it and the proof is right here in these beautiful photo shoots!."

The deck of this Jackson Hole home, from Sunset Magazine, acts as an extension of the living room.

Mark Egerstrom made the most of his West Hollywood home by adding a small deck.